WTO TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT MARCH 14-18, 2016

Transcription

1 WTO TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT MARCH 14-18, 2016 NATIONAL TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEES IN THE CEFTA REGION: FINDINGS OF THE WORLD BANK AND USAID REGIONAL NTFC ASSESSMENT Jim Williams Trade Facilitation Consultant IFC / WBG 16 March 2016

2 TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT Article 23.2 Each Member shall establish and/or maintain a national committee on trade facilitation or designate an existing mechanism to facilitate both domestic coordination and implementation of the provisions of this Agreement 1

3 Current Situation Internationally Implementation of formal NTFCs on going Differing Structures and processes being developed No standard format Need to ensure flexibility Ministerial level commitment and leadership essential Understanding and engagement by business community requires encouragement 2

4 Current Situation CEFTA Autumn 2015 Implementation of formal NTFCs on going: One NTFC in place One Existing structure being reviewed as potential basis for NTFC All other countries in discussions with Government Agencies, Business Community and potential international assistance providers on methodologies for development of NTFC Differing Structures and processes being developed No standard format Need to ensure flexibility may be further options for incorporating existing mechanisms for interagency and business dialogue Engagement by business community variable and requires encouragement Capacity building in key skills required for a sustained process of constructive dialogue and problem solving 3

5 Key Issues in establishing NTFC Composition of committee Chair Decision making process Subcommittees / working groups Capacity of private and public representatives to engage in progressive and sustainable dialogue Secretariat Funding International Assistance 4

6 Government Agencies NTFC Composition Department of Trade/Commerce/Industry All border agencies including Customs Border Police Human, animal and plant health Standards Plus any other agencies that are responsible for monitoring including carrying out documentary or physical checks on imports or exports Agencies responsible for international airports, rail or road infrastructure 5

7 NTFC Composition Business Community Chamber of Commerce may be national or multi-location Brokers and Freight Forwarders Associations Other professional or trade bodies representing interests in Import and Export Trade Specific business representatives where there is a very significant industry Representation for SMEs if not adequately covered by Chambers Where ports, airports, clearance terminals or warehousing facilities are privatized representation by trade body or individual senior managers 6

8 NTFC Composition - Chair Chair Political Authority Neutral Effective Credible 7

9 NTFC Process - Decisions National Committee identifies key issues and establishes appropriate Working Groups or Subcommittees to review Working Groups / Subcommittees Resolution / Implementation via relevant agency Make recommendation to National Committee National Committee Monitors activities and effectiveness of working groups/subcommittees Reviews recommendations Directs implementation via relevant agency Advises Government on necessary legislative change 8

10 Structure NTFC Process - Secretariat Within Chair s organization Independent of any member organization Other local options? Human Resources Provided from within Chair s organization Volunteers from a range of participant s organizations Fully funded within independent secretariat budget Skill sets include secretarial, budgeting, IT and diplomatic inter personal Funding Flexibility and clarity essential 9

11 NTFC Process Capacity Building Key Capacities Required Public and Private Sector participants: Understanding of Trade Facilitation and Compliance within international trade Knowledge of their organizations role and responsibilities in the process Commitment to the concept and process of the TFA and NTFC Ability to undertake sustained and effective dialogue in a constructive manner Lateral and innovative thinking Willingness to undertake and manage change Continuous review of individual and institutional capacity linked to a development program as part of both the implementation and ongoing NTFC process 10

12 NTFC Support External Assistance Potential for External Assistance National Requirement Capacity building for NTFC participants private and public sector Time scale Availability 11

13 NTFC Process Action Plan Action Plan Identification of key areas for action by NTFC based: Initially on results of TFA compliance assessment Subsequently by submissions by border agencies and business community of trade facilitation issues Anticipated result Responsible organization or persons Contact points Time Frame including review dates Funding / external assistance requirements Regular (quarterly or half yearly) review of progress and appropriate revisions implemented 12

14 NTFC Process - Transparency Transparency Within government agencies To the business community For the public Internationally National communications culture 13

15 NTFC Process - WTO Communication with the WTO Committee Chair Department of Trade/Commerce/Industry 14

16 NTFC Questions? 15